DTN News: BAE Systems Bofors Signs A Contract With Akers Krutbruk

DTN News: BAE Systems Bofors Signs A Contract With Akers Krutbruk (NSI News Source Info) June 8, 2009: Akers Krutbruk has been selected to develop the protection system for Archer, the BAE Systems Bofors artillery system. Archer, the BAE Systems Bofors artillery system - BAE Systems Bofors in Karlskoga, Sweden, has developed the FH77 BW L52 self-propelled howitzer, a 155mm howitzer on a 6×6 chassis. The howitzer has a range of 40km using current standard ammunition and 60km with the M982 Excalibur rounds. The howitzer can also fire the Bonus top attack rounds developed by Bofors and Giat (now Nexter). Akers Krutbruk has been selected to develop the protection system for Archer, the BAE Systems Bofors artillery system. The Swedish and Norwegian defence organizations have ordered the development of Archer. The process of developing the system is scheduled until 2010, with an option of delivery of a series planned for fall 2011. The Archer System is based on reused parts of the classical model of haubits 77B, and Volvo’s dumper A 30D. Akers Krutbruk’s assignment is to develop an advanced mine and fragment protection system to create a safe working environment for the three or four soldiers that operate in the cabin. “We are pleased to have received this vote of confidence. Our team has extensive experience and the necessary competence in the area of protection, integration and project management. Initially we will perform tests to find the best solution that yield optimal protection at the lowest possible weight, says Niclas Sahlgren,” CEO at Akers Krutbruk. Akers Krutbruk are experts in the area of developing advanced protection systems for military vehicles. The company has participated in hundreds of vehicle projects and carried out thousands of tests. “Akers Krutbruk has proven that they deliver good solutions on time, and successfully develop products that have an optimal combination of weight, cost and level of protection. We have complete confidence in Akers Krutbruk, and feel certain that they will design the best system to protect the soldiers in the Archer cabin, says Hans Pettersson, Program Manager at BAE Systems Bofors. The market potential for Archer is great, and at this point there is an anticipated order of 48 systems in 2009 from the Swedish and the Norwegian Armed Forces. There has also been a show of interest from the Armed Forces in other countries such as Denmark, Belgium, Malaysia, Qatar and the Czech Republic.